Physical Therapy Job Outlook & Salary
Thrive in a Growing Field
The future of physical therapy is brighter than ever. A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report states that , much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
According to the BLS, the increased demand can be attributed partly to the large number of aging baby boomers, who are staying more active later in life than their counterparts in previous generations. Older people are more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes and mobility-related injuries that require physical therapy for rehabilitation.
Job Opportunities
Graduates of our doctor of physical therapy program will be trained to find employment as physical therapists in:
- Acute care centers
- Independent outpatient orthopedic clinics
- Rehabilitation centers/clinics
- Skilled care facilities
- Sports medicine clinics
- Home health settings
Physical Therapy Salaries
How much do physical therapists make? Salaries for the profession vary widely based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, industry and location.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the best-paid 10% of physical therapists in the U.S. earn more than $130,870. The average salary for physical therapists in Oregon is $100,310, slightly lower than the average salary of $100,440 for physical therapists across the entire U.S. (2023).
The table below compares mean salaries in Oregon and in the U.S. overall for various physical therapy positions:
| Occupation | Oregon Annual Mean Salary | U.S. Annual Mean Salary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapists | $100,310 | $100,440 | -$130 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $66,560 | $65,860 | +$700 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $37,980 | $34,810 | +$3,170 |
Related Article: PT vs. PTA vs. Aide
U.S. Mean Annual Wage for Physical Therapists (USD)
Are you a high school student?
Learn more about ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox's pre-physical therapy undergraduate major in kinesiology, which prepares students to go on to grad school to study physical therapy.